Claimed By Chaos Read Free

that she was the first proof of heaven he had ever found, Alastair knew almost nothing about her. He sat up and pulled her upright as he slid back. Giselle blinked rapidly as she looked to her glass. He leaned forward to refill it and glanced at her. She looked dazed. Good. He was comforted by the fact that he wasn't suffering alone.
    “What is your connection to my brother, Giselle?” He asked softly as he put the glass in her hand. She raised it as she considered her answer. Alastair’s eyes narrowed slightly. She wasn't as transparent as she seemed.
    “I think it would be better if he answered that question. I don't know how much he would want you to know. Do you expect him soon?” Her eyes flicked to the door briefly.
    “No. I don't expect him at all.” Alastair answered. Her eyes became big and her lips trembled.
    “He's not…” She stared at him intently, afraid of his answer.
    “Dead? No. He is married and recently inherited a title.” He said as he watched her expression flash from worried to overjoyed. He felt himself relax. She wasn't jealous or angry.
    “Cambroke? He said that it was unlikely that he would inherit.” Giselle said as she reached for a grape. Alastair nodded. He watched her pop it between her lips and he stifled a groan as they closed around it. She chewed and he used the time to force his body to relax.
    “The man that was supposed to inherit died unexpectedly.” He offered. She nodded slowly.
    “His wife? Do you like your new sister?” She toed her slippers off and curled her feet under her.
    Alastair felt his eyes widen. It was a shockingly intimate gesture and for some reason he wasn't appalled that she would make herself so comfortable in his home. It also reminded him of Elise. He nodded as he turned his gaze back to her striking eyes.
    “Yes. I’m very fond of Elise and we've become very close. I’m grateful to have her as a sister.” He felt himself closing the distance between them again. He frowned as he reached for his glass. What was wrong with him? He held on to the glass to keep from reaching for her.
    “He must be very happy!”
    “He is. He has a son, Ethan is almost five months old.” He smiled as he thought of him. Giselle’s eyes lit up and watered.
    “A son! Is he precious?”
    “He is the finest fellow of my acquaintance.” He replied and she giggled and leaned closer. “You've only arrived recently, what brings you to London?” Alastair looked at Giselle expectantly.
    “I should talk to Gilles first.” Again, her smile was warm and open but she was calculating. His curiosity peaked. “Tell me how Mirabelle is? I'm sure she's married by now.” Alastair smiled. She was keeping the conversation away from her. He would play along.
    “She is well. Her and Lucien married just over a year ago. She recently gave birth to a lovely girl named Charlotte.”
    “How wonderful! Gilles said she was in love with Lucien as a girl. That is so very romantic.” Giselle sighed contentedly and her eyes swept over him again. “And what about you? Why are you here alone and not out looking for a wife?” Her tone was teasing but she was curious. Alastair considered the question. The answer seemed much simpler an hour earlier.
    “I did not intend to marry and I do not enjoy being among society.” And now? He wondered. Panic flared as he realized he was uncertain, that something within him had shifted dramatically. Giselle looked at the clock on the mantle and sighed.
    “I should be leaving soon, it’s getting late.” Her eyes were heavy with regret as she looked at Alastair. “I hope I am able to meet everyone. Please tell Gilles I am at Grillon's. I will wait for him to call on me or send for me.” She finished her wine, uncurled her legs and stretched them towards her slippers. Alastair started to shake his head as he fought down the urge to beg her to stay. Giselle slid her feet into her slippers and looked up at him.
    His body reacted. He closed the